Per Mertesacker is entrusted with the job of collecting fines from Arsenal players in breach of club discipline but the German may find himself going cap in hand to manager Arsene Wenger for his place in the team.

It's no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo was not entirely happy with being usurped as the world's most expensive footballer by new Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

So after posing for a seemingly-cordial welcome handshake this week with the 24 year-old, the Portguese superstar got down to business today by giving Gareth Bale an on-the-pitch welcome he won't forget.

In Bale's third full training session since his £86m move from Tottenham, he found himself at the wrong end of what is known in football circles as a 'reducer' from the former Manchester United star.

Although Gareth Bale emerged unscathed from the full blooded training session he appeared to question the nature of several challenges made on him by the team's talismanic attacker.

Real stars including Pepe, Casemiro and Luka Modric were pictured laughing during the session suggesting the rough treatment was more high-spirited 'hazing' than anything more sinister.

It comes as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Bale will make his debut against Villarreal on Saturday.

"Bale will travel and will play. I'm not sure if he will start or come off from the bench," said Ancelotti.